When it comes to cooking without dairy, there are plenty of alternatives that can add creaminess and richness to our dishes. Coconut milk, cashew cream, and plant-based yogurts make excellent substitutes for dairy cream or milk in savory recipes like curries, soups, and sauces. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor to pasta dishes, while plant-based butters and oils can bring a luscious texture to our cooking. With a bit of experimentation, we can recreate our favorite dairy-based recipes and discover exciting new flavors along the way.



Baking without eggs may seem daunting at first, but fear not! There are numerous substitutes that can provide the same binding and leavening properties. Mashed bananas, applesauce, flaxseed or chia seed gel, and silken tofu can all act as egg replacements in various baked goods. Additionally, plant-based milk can replace dairy milk in most recipes without compromising the final result. Don't forget to explore the world of vegan baking blogs and cookbooks for tried-and-true recipes that have been perfected over time. Here are some tips!

1. Use Plant-Based Milk: Replace dairy milk with a variety of plant-based milk options like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. These alternatives work well in most recipes and add their unique flavors to your baked goods.
2. Egg Replacements: Eggs serve various purposes in baking, including binding, leavening, and moisture. You can replace eggs with options like applesauce, mashed bananas, flaxseed or chia seed "eggs," or commercial egg replacers. These alternatives can mimic the functions of eggs in different recipes.
3. Vegan Butter or Oil: Substitute dairy butter with vegan butter or a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. (Please avoid palm oil!) Ensure you're using a non-dairy, plant-based butter to maintain the richness and flavor in your baked goods.
4. Flax or Chia Eggs: For binding and moisture, combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water to create a flax or chia "egg." Allow it to sit for a few minutes until it thickens, then use it as you would a regular egg in recipes.
5. Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents are vegan-friendly and can be used in place of eggs to help your baked goods rise. Adjust the quantities as needed for different recipes.
6. Vegan Chocolate and Sweeteners: Ensure that your chocolate chips and sweeteners, such as honey or sugar, are vegan-friendly. Look for labels indicating "dairy-free" or "vegan" to avoid any unwanted animal-derived ingredients.
7. Read Labels Carefully: When using pre-packaged ingredients like pie crusts, puff pastry, or cake mixes, carefully read the labels to ensure they don't contain dairy or eggs. Many brands offer vegan options.
8. Experiment and Adapt: Baking is as much about experimentation as it is about following recipes. Don't be afraid to try new ingredients and adapt recipes to your preferences. Over time, you'll develop a better understanding of how different substitutions work in various baked goods.

With a dash of creativity and an open mind, cooking and baking without dairy and eggs can be a delightful and rewarding experience. So, grab your apron, fire up the stove, and let your culinary imagination soar as you discover the joy of dairy- and egg-free cooking and baking.

Love cake? Here's a link with a collection of 35 Vegan Cake Recipes. Enjoy!

Check out Bon Appetit's How to Turn Nearly Any Baking Recipe Into a Vegan Baking Recipe.